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Read all newsToby-Designed RM 45 Commando Memorial Garden Unveiled 11-11-11
Today marks the unveiling of the Woodlands Garden designed by Toby for the Royal Marines 45 Commando, Arbroath in remembrance and celebration of the fallen. Toby was approached by Lt Col Oliver Lee back in 2010 when he agreed to design, entirely for free, a garden of remembrance. Since then the £250, 000 cost to build the garden has been raised almost entirely through donations and fund-raising activities by the men themselves.
Toby's design is based on the Globe and Laurel Insignia of the Royal Marines badge and it contains huge stone cairns from everywhere men from 45 Commando have fallen, including The Falklands, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland. The centrepiece is an thirty-tonne memorial stone inscribed with the names of all those who have died whilst on active service with 45 Commando since the unit came to Arbroath in 1971.
Within the garden there is also a glasshouse, private areas for contemplation, and areas for growing vegetables and children's play.
Toby says: "My admiration for our armed forces could not be higher, particularly at this very tough time. I am deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to design this garden and hope that it will help in bringing peace and restoration to the families of the bereaved and become a place of sanctuary for the incredibly brave men of 45 Commando."
